Ellyn Semler: President’s Circle Party

Ellyn and Rich Semler hosted the annual President’s Circle Party on May 2nd at their lovely La Cañada Flintridge home, with around 35 guests. Ellyn, who is the Immediate Past President of the Foundation, is always recruiting new members for the President’s Circle. By contributing a minimum of $1,000 unrestricted gift annually, donors support much-needed campus programs and contribute to student success. Money raised through the President’s Circle are available through grants for a variety of campus-wide projects in areas including arts and culture, science and technology, athletics and fitness, humanities and social sciences, and more. Semler said, “The contributions of our President’s Circle level donors allow us to grant wishes and make dreams come true. But there are other ways our board members contribute. They host coffees and lunches, network with potential donors, and get the word out about our wonderful campus. For more information about joining the President’s Circle, click here.

Asked what the most rewarding aspect of her time with the Foundation has been, Semler said, “Glendale College is a jewel and I’m discovering new aspects all the time. Our first-rate nursing program is well-known and respected throughout the medical field. The Theater Arts Program is in need of an equipment upgrade and the Planetarium is simply outstanding. I always make it a point to see the newest version of the Afternoon with the Stars presentation. My husband is on the board of the Griffith Observatory – we love astronomy. The Foundation helps to support all of these things and more. We sponsored the Eclipse, the English Department’s literary journal, various speaker programs and lots of other programs that enhance the quality of education that Glendale’s students enjoy.”

As Nominating Committee Chair, Semler seeks to add more members to the President’s Circle, but says, “When I welcome new board members, I’m not looking to fill open slots. What I’m looking for is engaged members of the community who know what they’re getting into and want to contribute. We are really fortunate to have Board members who are committed to the college’s mission and have a broad perspective – different skills and connections with various city entities to make outreach and support that much more effective.”